There are so many things to love about El Paso. The culture is rich, the history fascinating, and the food…well, it’s in a class all its own. El Paso restaurants range from fast casual, family-run eateries to luxury dining, and best of all, hidden gems you’ll thank yourself for visiting. If you haven’t put El Paso on your culinary travel list, now’s the time.

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Need more? Read more: Why you’ll fall in love with El Paso: The best food, culture and hospitality

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Where El Paso’s culinary culture comes to life

With Ciudad Juárez steps from El Paso, authentic Mexican recipes and flavors abound throughout the El Paso dining scene. This city knows how to wow with its cuisine.

Here are some must-try El Paso dining destinations you won’t want to miss.

Salt + Honey
Breakfast and lunch all day long

Their mix of breakfast items like Baklava Pancakes and exceptional lunch plates such as Tacos Borrachos and Pecan-Encrusted Salmon are a few of the highlights of Salt + Honey’s menu. Middle Eastern influences show up throughout the menu, whether in breakfast, brunch, small plates, lunch, or salads. The eatery’s namesake, Salted Honey Latte, is a must-try from the extensive coffee menu.

Details: 1125 Texas, El Paso, TX 79901
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
saltandhoneyep.com

Taconeta
Scratch kitchen classics with dynamic twists

Taconeta is a Downtown El Paso gem with fresh, scratch cuisine (including their fan-favorite blue corn tortillas). Some favorites include suadero brisket confit, pollo achiote, and vegan mushroom tacos. When you visit, you must order the grilled sweet potatoes with pumpkin seed salsa macha, cilantro-lime aioli, and crispy kale. Taconeta’s lively environment matches the spirit of its flavorful, memorable dishes.

Details: 311 Montana Ave A-1, El Paso, TX 79902
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
order.toasttab.com/online/taconeta

Savage Goods
A little bit of everything

Visitors frequent Savage Goods as a go-to for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The menu includes familiar staples such as bacon, egg, and cheese burritos, burgers, and salads, along with unique options such as the Savage Scramble Burrito (vegan) with tofu scramble, potatoes, grilled onions, vegan cheese, and Sweets & Beets (vegan available) with roasted beets, sweet potatoes, over-easy eggs, grilled onions, arugula, and chimichurri. Guests can also grab sweet baked goods, coffee, and espresso options.

Details: 1201 N Oregon St, El Paso, TX 79902
Wednesday to Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
savagegoods.com

Doña Tota
The premier place for genuine El Paso gorditas

Their web address contains the word “best” (BestGorditas.com) and we couldn’t agree more. Describing themselves as 100% native Mexican (not Tex-Mex), the gorditas here are unbelievably delicious. Some of our favorites include: Chicharron Crujiente, with a crispy, crunchy pork rind surprise in every bite; the Rajas con Queso, with poblano pepper strips, sautéed onions, garlic, and melted cheese; and the Pollo en Mole, filled with shredded chicken and a savory-sweet mole sauce.

Details: 3500 North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79902
bestgorditas.com

Casa Cafetzin
Cozy spot for comfort food and feel-good vibes

Casa Cafetzin’s charm hits you before you walk inside. This cozy café is the perfect start to your day, with selections like freshly made conchas, breads, and other baked goods. Savory options such as pozole and avocado toast are just as standout (both of which we highly recommend).

Details: 4111 N Mesa St APT 1, El Paso, TX 79902
Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
casacafetzincoffeeroasters.com/elpaso

Park Tavern
Fine dining for special occasions and date night

Tucked in Downtown El Paso, across from San Jacinto Plaza, Park Tavern delivers elevated, diverse dishes like Elk Tenderloin with chimichurri, top-tier Brussels sprouts, and Smothered Chicken Breast. Other comfort classics with a flourish include Park Tavern’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Caesar Salad. The service is as impeccable as the restaurant’s plates.

Details: 204 East Mills Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901
Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
parktavernelpaso.com

Taquería El Cometa
Fast casual, authentic Mexican food

This is a place to come hungry. Some of the shining stars at Taquería El Cometa include Tacos Al Pastor with marinated pork, Tacos de Alambre with chopped steak, bacon, peppers, and onions topped with cheese, and quesadillas. But the brightest of all, in our minds, are the flautas. They’re crispy, tasty, and you’ll find yourself wanting more than one plate. The eatery also boasts a robust salsa bar with fresh salsas, guacamole, and pickled veggies.

Details: 1613 N Zaragoza Rd, El Paso, TX 79936
Open daily: 10 a.m. to 4 a.m.
taqueria-el-cometa.placejoys.com

More dining spots for your El Paso culinary travel itinerary

These seven restaurants are just a small taste of what El Paso has to offer when it comes to dining. To learn more about where to dine during your travels, check out visitelpaso.com/things-to-do/dining.